At Ascot on Saturday Enable edged out Crystal Ocean to become the first horse to retain the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes, landing a ninth Group 1 victory in the process.

Trapped on the outside of the 11 runners early on, the dual Arc winner, partnered as usual by Frankie Dettori, was made to work for every inch, before engaging in a two-horse battle on the home straight with Crystal Ocean.

Reminiscent of the Grundy-Bustino clash in the same race 44 years ago, the pair went nostril to nostril, Enable just holding off her old rival.

Winning Trainer John Gosden heaped praise on the mare, acknowledging that she had not had a straightforward race: “The draw rather affected her, she was suddenly very wide, so Frankie dropped back further than he wanted. She’s a brave and wonderful filly, and what a great battle with Crystal Ocean.”

The runner-up’s remarkable efforts did not go unnoticed, with jockey James Doyle explaining: “I’ve never experienced finishing second in a race and getting as loud a cheer as the winner. They really do love him and he wears his heart on his sleeve. .”

Although unconfirmed, Saturday may well have been Enable’s last race in Britain. Gosden hinted that she may go straight to Longchamp in October where she will bid to become the first horse to win three Prix de l’Arc de Triomphes.